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The hospital's report also indicated that Mr Stevens, a retired civil servant, had been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, which had metastasised and spread to his lungs, lymph system and bones.

Mr Williams read aloud a written statement from Claire Wilkins, Mr Stevens' daughter, who described her father as "a quiet and private man, who was brave and never complained about his illness despite the obvious toll it was taking on him."

She went on to describe the events leading up to the fall, including how her father had becoming increasingly frail after receiving his cancer diagnosis in May.

She said: "He had lost a lot of weight, becoming frail, and his walking had become a slow shuffle.

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When Mr Stevens was admitted to hospital, scans revealed a large bleed on his brain.

After consulting with specialists in Bristol, staff at Musgrove Park Hospital informed Mr Stevens' family that his injury was "un-survivable". He passed away later the same day with his wife and son Andrew at his side.

Ms Wilkins praised the hospital staff in her written statement, thanking them "for all the excellent care that dad was given."

In light of the evidence before him, Mr Williams recorded a conclusion of accidental death, stating that Mr Stevens had fallen and "suffered a traumatic and fatal head injury."